Tadano’s Trials: Hellhound

Tadano’s Trials: Hellhound

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Commissioned by Gopher54

Word Count: 1023

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“H-hey, what are you looking at, huh!?”

Under normal circumstances, Tadano Hitohito was more than capable of grasping the depth of someone else’s words. Monstergirls with dubious intentions, who approach him aggressively, and try to trap him into a bathroom stall have all fallen to this skill of his. One moment they’re intent on having their way with him and the next they find themselves walking away from him with a lighter heart.

However, this time was not one of those times.

Tadano could only take a step back as his Kunoichi’s friend, Manbagi Rumiko, glared at him with blazing eyes. 

Being a rather average Sorcerer, he had only response to such aggressive.

He took a step back with raised hands.

Without a doubt, his normal protections were nowhere to be found. His Kunoichi was off fetching drinks. To the casual gaze of any passerby in the bowling alley, it would seem like a Hellhound was about to pounce on her pray, claiming him as their own, and a new litter of Hellhounds were going to be unleashed upon the world.

The attendant was already going to fetch a mop.

However, as Tadano could only wonder if a fate he’d manage to mystically avoid over many years was going to pass, Manbagi said something that he didn’t expect.

“You should only be staring at Shouko, you idiot! What are you doing staring at me, huh!?” The Hellhound with a white mane glared at Tadano, as he could only blink along with everyone else looking upon the scene. The attendant was wondering if a mop was still necessary. Monstergirls in the bowling alley were wondering if something was wrong with their grasp on reality. Incubi were wondering if they weren’t looking at some elaborate plot that will end with them having more girls than time. However, most importantly, Tadano found something he could understand… and could only smile. “H-hey, I just said you’re supposed to be focused on Shouko! What are you doing smiling at a girl you just met, you doof!?”

“Ah-hah, sorry, Manbagi-san. I was just caught off guard by how protective you are of Komi-san.” Tadano lowered his hands, looked away, and hid his nervousness. He accomplished the first two, but not the third, because he had a white-haired Hellhound in a school blazer and plaid skirt a meter away from him. No man cannot be nervous in such a situation, thus, being the average Sorcerer, Tadano was no exception. He was sweating the perfectly average amount an average man would sweat in front of a monstergirl that descended from the guardians of Hell. His really needed a new shirt. “I-I think it’s great that the two of you are such great friends!”

“A-are you trying to sweet talk me!? B-because it’s not going to work, Tadano!” Didn’t you just call him doof? And, idiot before that? Those were the thoughts of most onlookers. Most men were looking for exits, so they didn’t get caught in an impromptu orgy, especially if they already had one planned. However, most monstergirls were looking upon the scene with surprise. Could it be? Was a Hellhound really getting charmed? Tadano didn’t notice this. He was, after all, a meter away from a Hellhound whose claws where out, eyes aflame, and haunches raised.  “If you think I’m some sort of pervert that takes guys from other gals, then you’re wrong!”

Much to Tadano’s relief, Komi returned with their bowling shoes in hand, and ended the ongoing… event before anything could happen.

Much to the disappointment of all onlookers.

However, they weren’t disappointed for long.

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“N-now, don’t tense up.”

“I’m not tense! A-are you saying that you’re making me nervous or something, Ta-kun!?”

Ah, she already has a pet name for him, all the monstergirls thought with hearts in their eyes, hearts, and panties.

Ah, she already has a pet name for him, all the husbands and boyfriends thought whilst paying their respects.

Ah, just decide whether I’ll need this damn mop, the attendant thought whilst staring at the scene.

Tadano, as a completely average Sorcerer, didn’t notice any of this, as he did his best to guide a Hellhound and teach her how to bowl. All his focus was on the back his body was pressed against, the scent of deep, luscious smoke in his ears, and the knowledge that he’s pressed against a girl who can throw bowling balls over the shoulder and embed them into concrete. 

That is to say he didn’t notice the flush on Manabagi’s face, the wagging of her tail, and how the flames in her gaze were burning brighter.

No.

Wait.

He did notice the flames.

Because they were burning his cheek whenever Manbagi turned to look at his face, whenever her instincts overcame her goodwill towards her friend, and she made up an excuse to complain and look him in the eye.

“T-that’s not what I meant, I just mean that you’re strong, so if you’re tense you’ll break the lane!”

“Are you saying that I’m ugly!?”

“N-no, you look perfectly fine! You’re just strong, that’s all!”

“I told you to stop trying to get between my legs, Hitohito! Focus more on Shouko!”

“I’m trying to be friends with you because your friends with Shouko, so there’s no need for you to push me away. There’s nothing wrong with you at all, Manbagi-san!”

Without a doubt, both Tadano and Manbagi were talking past one another. Each one was trapped within their own narrative. Tadano was doing his best to make his Familiar’s friend like him, while Manbagi was desperately trying not to mount and claim her friend’s man.

All the while the bowling alley can only watch, everyone engrossed in something besides their own lives, because they were into the whole thing.

All except for one Kunoichi who was hiding in plain sight… nodding away and smiling softly at a job well done.

Ah, everything is going all according to the plan, Komi Shouko thought to herself.

She’ll make sure all her friends will get along till death did them part… and that’s what Mermaid’s blood was for.